Land Surveyor Career Description
Land surveying is the science of recording and setting out the exact measurements of man-made and. natural features of the earth's surface. Surveying is basic to all planning, development and construction and it involves the making of maps and the determination of boundaries.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
To survey means to view, examine and inspect
in detail. Land surveyors divide their time between field work (measuring the terrain) and office work (processing the information and the development) and then further field work (setting out on the ground what has been designed on paper).
There are five categories in which land surveyors can specialize, namely:
Geodetic surveying
Geodetic surveying ascertains the size and shape of our planet. The main function of this is to provide a framework of beacons
according to the degree of latitude and longitude to which any other surveys and maps can be connected.
Cartography
Map making is done by means of photogrammetry and the maps are processed by cartography for reproduction and distribution. Cartographers provide the mapuser with information in an understandable and useful form.
Cadastral surveying
Cadastral surveying involves the measuring of property, such as the planning of towns, cities, farms and sectional title properties and their subdivision. By law it is the exclusive function of land surveyors to do cadastral surveying and in doing so they make an important contribution to the socio-economic development of the country.
Engineering surveying
Land surveyors are involved in taking measurements for the design of roads, freeways, railways, bridges, tunnels and large structures.
Hydrographic and oceanographic surveying
Hydrographic and oceanographic surveying concern mapping the marine environment (under-sea topography). Hydrographers work in close co-operation with harbour engineers and oceanographers. They also do positioning at sea and update maps to show danger zones.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need?
Land surveyors work in the open air and they travel a lot. They must have an interest in computers. They often work on their own and must be able to trust their own judgment and make their own decisions. Land surveyors also work with the public and it is therefore important for them to be able to maintain good human relations.
Where can I work?
Career opportunities for land surveyors exist at govemment departments, universities, provincial administrations, municipalities, and in private practice.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Most land surveyors open a private practice or go into partnership with other land surveyors or join a photogrammetric company.
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